Termite Damage FAQs
At Christopher L. George, P.C., I know you have questions about termite damage and the claims process. I have been involved in termite litigation for more than 25 years, and I can help you with the questions you may have.
Common Questions About Termites
What follows are some of the common questions I often receive from people with termite damage.
Do all contacts cover all types of termites?
No. Some contracts exclude coverage for Formosan termites. This can be particularly problematic as Formosan termites build larger colonies and can create extensive damage in a relatively short time.
Do all contracts cover the cost to repair termite damage if my home becomes infested?
No. Some contracts exclude damage repairs. Under these so-called “retreat only” contracts, the termite
Are damage limitations enforceable?
Yes. Some contracts limit the liability of the termite company to a specific amount. These clauses are enforceable under Alabama law.
How long should it take for the termite company to perform an annual inspection of my home?
This can vary according to the size and specific type of construction of the home. In general, it should take between 30 minutes to an hour to conduct a proper annual inspection.
Should the termite company inspect the interior of my home during annual inspections?
Yes. And Alabama law requires the company to attempt to contact you to try to arrange an inspection of the interior of your home as part of any annual inspection. An interior inspection is particularly important as this is where many termite infestations are first observed.
Is my home at risk if my neighbor has termites?
If your neighbor’s home is infested with termites, it does not necessarily mean that you have termites as well, or that you’ll get termites, but your neighbor has probably increased your odds of an infestation.
What is a termite swarm?
Termites live in colonies. Sometime during the year, the younger termites will fly from their colony created to mate and locate a new nest site and new food sources. Termite swarms typically take place in the spring and early summer. A large termite swarm inside your home could be a sign of an undetected termite colony in your home.
Do termites bite? Can they harm people or pets?
No, termites do not bite, and they can’t harm us or our pets. In fact, most people rarely encounter termites. Termite swarms are really the only time when you’re likely to see them.
What can a homeowner do to help prevent a termite infestation?
There are several steps that a homeowner can and should take. First, homeowners should eliminate or reduce moisture in and around their homes. Termites thrive on moisture.
And if there is sufficient moisture inside your home, termites can thrive in your home without ever returning to the ground for moisture. This is crucial if your home is protected by a liquid termiticide barrier as it will eliminate the need for termites to cross the barrier, thus rendering the barrier ineffective at eradicating termites.
First, homeowners should divert water away from the foundation of the home by installing downspouts, gutters, and splash blocks. Second, any wood-to-ground contact around the home should be eliminated as this may attract termites and provide them a path into the home. This should include removing any wood – such as firewood – stored adjacent to the home. Finally, homeowners should keep on the lookout for signs of termite damage and infestation such as the signs depicted in the photographs on this website.
What are the telltale signs of a termite problem?
There are several telltale signs of a possible termite problem. Have you seen any termites in your home? Seeing swarming termites inside your home can be an indication that you have an established population inside your home.
Another telltale sign that you have a termite problem is if you see mud trails underneath your flooring, behind baseboards, or near cracks in your floors or walls. These mud trails are built by the termites to protect them as they move around your home, and they’re about the width of a straw or pencil. There are some photos of mud tubes in the photographs in this website.
Check your home for termites by going around with a screwdriver handle, knife handle, or other hard items. Knock on the wooden components of your house such as baseboards, flooring, windowsills, and door frames. The wood should sound solid. If you find an area that sounds light and hollow, that’s a sign that it may have been chewed by termites.
More Questions? Contact Me Today
If you suspect you have termite damage despite hiring a termite control company, call my Mobile office at 251-286-2570 or use my online contact form to make a free appointment to discuss your termite issues with me.